Takayama Ramen was also a hot topic in the movie "Your Name." In the movie, the high school girl Mitsuha lives in a rural town in the Hida region, and Takayama Ramen appears in the movie.

Apparently, locals love Takayama ramen so much that they eat it when they're feeling a bit hungry or as a substitute for New Year's Eve noodles.

Let's explore the characteristics and history of Takayama ramen.

Characteristics of Takayama Ramen

Takayama ramen is a local B-class gourmet dish that is popular in Takayama City and Hida City. Therefore, it is also called Hida ramen or Hida Takayama ramen.

Takayama ramen, made with a Japanese-style soy sauce base, has a dark soy sauce-colored soup, but is low in fat and has a light flavor. It is made using a variety of stocks, including seafood, chicken bones, and vegetables, and is made to emphasize the flavor of the ingredients. The dark soup has a mellow flavor, thanks to the quality of the water in Hida Takayama. The noodles used are thin, curly noodles with low water content that mix well with the soup.

The ingredients are simple: char siu, white spring onions, and bamboo shoots. All restaurants use pork belly for the char siu, which helps to supplement the fat in the light soup. Hida spring onions are characterized by their long white part and strong sweetness, which brings out the rich flavor of the soy sauce. The crunchy bamboo shoots add an accent to this dish, making it an addictive dish. Some restaurants also offer toppings such as eggs and seaweed.

Although Takayama ramen looks simple, its preparation is very unique across the country. For regular ramen, the sauce and soup are prepared separately, and the sauce is poured into a bowl before the soup is poured over, but for Takayama ramen, the sauce and soup are simmered together from the beginning.

As a result, there isn't much variety in flavors, and soy sauce-based soup is the norm. The longer it simmers, the stronger the flavor becomes, so some people visit at times such as in the morning or afternoon depending on their preferred taste.

Takayama ramen is characterized by having less noodles than regular ramen, at 100g. Also, every restaurant has a "children's ramen" on the menu, and locals eat ramen as a snack.

Takayama ramen, which allows you to enjoy the rich flavors of the ingredients, is popular among people who like light ramen.

The History of Takayama Ramen

Takayama ramen is said to have originated from a food stall called "Masago Soba" that was established in 1938. The founder, Tokimune Sakaguchi, said, "When I was young, I looked forward to eating Chinese noodles in Tokyo."

Sakaguchi learned how to make Chinese noodles by watching Chinese people at the Hotel Gajoen Tokyo. After that, he worked at the high-class restaurant Kinkikan in Takayama, and made ramen at a food stall at night, and eventually opened his own restaurant.

Takayama's soba and udon noodles, which are heavily influenced by Kyoto culture, are Kansai-style, but the Chinese noodles are Kanto-style. The reason why only the Chinese noodles are Kanto-style is because Mr. Sakaguchi trained in Tokyo. Another factor is that Takayama became a territory of the Edo Shogunate and soy sauce culture developed there.

Takayama ramen at the time was apparently greasy compared to today, but it was gradually made lighter to suit the tastes of customers. Sakaguchi also came up with the method of simmering the soy sauce in a stockpot. This method of preparation spread, and Takayama ramen became popular as a local B-class gourmet food in Hida.

By the way, in Takayama, "soba" refers to Chinese noodles, so if you want to order "soba", you have to order "Japanese soba" or "nama soba".

Gifu Prefecture Tourism Information

Gifu Prefecture, where you can eat Takayama Ramen, has many tourist spots. This time, we will introduce three popular tourist spots in Hida City, Gifu Prefecture.

Seto River and the White-Walled Storehouse District

The Seto River and White-Walled Storehouse District is an old town full of historical atmosphere, known as the inner sanctum of Takayama. The Seto River, with over 1,000 colorful carp swimming against the backdrop of the white-walled storehouses and stone walls of temples, is a popular walking spot.

There are also shops selling Hida beef croquettes and other foods, so you can enjoy eating as you walk around.

Farm in the Sky Okuhida Yamanomura Farm

"Okuhida Yamanomura Farm in the Sky" is located in the middle of nature at an altitude of 1,000m. Not only can you interact with animals, but you can also enjoy pony riding and milking.

This popular ranch also offers a variety of experiences, such as ice cream, butter, and bread making. The rich soft serve ice cream made from freshly squeezed Jersey milk, available at the restaurant, is delicious.

Hida Village

"Hida no Sato" is a village museum that features typical Hida houses, including gassho-style houses that have endured heavy snowfall.

In each house, various tools for daily life in rural areas are displayed, and there are demonstrations and experiences of straw crafts, sashiko, braiding, etc., as well as seasonal events. There are also experience programs that can be enjoyed without making a reservation, so many people visit.

How to get to Gifu Prefecture

Gifu, which is attractive for its gourmet food and sightseeing, has various ways to access the city. It is conveniently located near the three largest cities in Japan: Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.

If you take the train from Tokyo Station to Gifu Station, it will take about 2 hours. From Osaka Station, it will take about 2 hours and 30 minutes. From Nagoya Station, it will take about 30 minutes. The travel time will vary depending on the time of day and the weather.

We also recommend taking a leisurely drive there by car. Try finding the best way to get there.

Location of Gifu Prefecture

summary

The appeal of Takayama ramen lies in its unique cooking method and simple taste that emphasizes the flavor of the ingredients. It is especially recommended for those who like light ramen. Takayama ramen is loved not only by locals but also by people from outside the prefecture.

If you visit Gifu, be sure to try Takayama ramen.

\ We are looking for Tempo Star affiliates! /